go to the wall

Etymology
From a fight or military retreating until they cannot escape; see and retreat to the wall doctrine in common law.

Verb

 * 1)  To make an all-out effort.
 * He'll be the one who goes to the wall when it's needed.
 * He's always been willing to go to the wall for his friends.
 * That was the one point he was willing to go to the wall on.
 * 1)  To fail, to run out of options.
 * 2) To be put aside or forgotten.
 * 3) To take an extreme and determined position or measure.
 * 1) To take an extreme and determined position or measure.

Usage notes

 * In the sense "to make an all-out effort", go to the wall is used with and  and other synonymous prepositions.

Related terms

 * retreat to the wall
 * retreat to the wall